California American Water program provides assistance with water bills

SACRAMENTO, CA, Sept. 11, 2009 -- While water service continues to be a tremendous value compared to other utilities - less than a penny a gallon for most in Northern California - some families and fixed-income seniors may struggle to keep up with even modest increases, particularly in this challenging economy...

Sep 11th, 2009

• Low income customers can save on their monthly bills

SACRAMENTO, CA, Sept. 11, 2009 -- While water service continues to be a tremendous value compared to other utilities - less than a penny a gallon for most in Northern California - some families and fixed-income seniors may struggle to keep up with even modest increases, particularly in this challenging economy. California American Water is reaching out to those customers this month to remind them they can get help with their assistance program for low-income households.

"We want everyone to have access to a safe and reliable supply of water," said general manager Andy Soule. "Our Help to Others program ensures that a basic level of service is available to all, even seniors and families facing financial difficulties."

That is why California American Water is proud of its progressive "H20 - Help to Others" low-income ratepayer assistance program, which is offered to customers throughout our Northern California service areas.

The program offers a bill reduction for qualified low-income customers.

"These are economically challenging times but water is still essential," Soule said. "Our H2O -Help to Others program provides aid to those who need it most."

Eligibility is based on a household income formula that equates to up to approximately 200 percent of the federal poverty level and is determined when a customer fills out and returns a brief application with support information.

Customers who are already enrolled in the Pacific Gas and Electric California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program or the Sacramento Municipal Utility District Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) are automatically eligible.

"Under our program, customers receive a discount of five dollars per month that is applied to their bills," Soule said. "This discount combined with efficient water use can reduce bills by 20 percent or more."

H2O - Help to Others applications are mailed annually to customers as part of their bills. Sacramento area customers will receive a copy of the application in their next bill. In addition, the applications are available at our local office, California American Water community events and online at www.californiaamwater.com

California American Water also offers many water and money saving programs for all its customers, including rebates up to $100 on water efficient appliances.

Customers can also sign up for a Water Wise home water survey, where a company conservation specialist will go out to the residence and conduct a comprehensive water audit for free. The representative will check the property for leaks and other areas of potential water savings and provide the customer with an in-depth report on their water usage in addition to providing tips on things they can do to save water. Customers can visit the website, www.californiaamwater.com or call our conservation hotline at (916) 568-4201 for more information.

California American Water (www.californiaamwater.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.